U.S. Sen. John H. Glenn, Jr., gives the thumbs up from the cockpit of a training aircraft as he prepares for his return to space on the shuttle Discovery's STS-95 mission in 1998.(NASA)

COLUMBUS (WCMH) – As news of the death of John Glenn spread, people from all walks of life took to social media to express their condolences.

Statement by President Barack Obama on the Passing of John Glenn:

When John Glenn blasted off from Cape Canaveral atop an Atlas rocket in 1962, he lifted the hopes of a nation. And when his Friendship 7 spacecraft splashed down a few hours later, the first American to orbit the Earth reminded us that with courage and a spirit of discovery there’s no limit to the heights we can reach together. With John’s passing, our nation has lost an icon and Michelle and I have lost a friend. John spent his life breaking barriers, from defending our freedom as a decorated Marine Corps fighter pilot in World War II and Korea, to setting a transcontinental speed record, to becoming, at age 77, the oldest human to touch the stars. John always had the right stuff, inspiring generations of scientists, engineers and astronauts who will take us to Mars and beyond–not just to visit, but to stay. Today, the people of Ohio remember a devoted public servant who represented his fellow Buckeyes in the U.S. Senate for a quarter century and who fought to keep America a leader in science and technology. Our thoughts are with his beloved wife Annie, their children John and Carolyn and the entire Glenn family. The last of America’s first astronauts has left us, but propelled by their example we know that our future here on Earth compels us to keep reaching for the heavens. On behalf of a grateful nation, Godspeed, John Glenn.

We are saddened by the loss of Sen. John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth. A true American hero. Godspeed, John Glenn. Ad astra. pic.twitter.com/89idi9r1NB

Governor John Kasich:

John Glenn is, and always will be, Ohio’s ultimate hometown hero, and his passing today is an occasion for all of us to grieve. As we bow our heads and share our grief with his beloved wife, Annie, we must also turn to the skies, to salute his remarkable journeys and his long years of service to our state and nation. Though he soared deep into space and to the heights of Capitol Hill, his heart never strayed from his steadfast Ohio roots. Godspeed, John Glenn!

It has been a blessing to know John Glenn and for Connie and me to count him and Annie as mentors and friends. We will miss him. – SB

U.S. Senator Rob Portman:

John Glenn was an American hero. He flew 149 combat missions in two wars; he was the first American to orbit the Earth, and the longest-serving United States Senator in Ohio history. I’m grateful to have known him, to have partnered with him on projects and legislation in Congress, and to have worked with him and served on his advisory board at the John Glenn College of Public Affairs at the Ohio State University. Most recently, I called him to ask him to join me at my swearing in in January for the seat he once held. When I saw Senator Glenn in October at the Glenn School board meeting he was in good humor, gracious, and determined to contribute to Ohio, as always. John and Annie’s marriage and their seven decades of partnership have been a model for Jane and me, and we send our condolences to our friend Annie and all the Glenn family at this difficult time.

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine:

Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther:

The way John Glenn lived his life and served his country let everyone know that anyone from any walk of life deserved the same dignity and respect. My grandmother, Nellie McMullen, worked at BF Goodrich in Akron and was one of the inspectors for the first space suit astronaut John Glenn wore during his historic orbital flight in 1962. With barely a ninth-grade education, this woman from humble beginnings told me that Mr. Glenn treated her with the same respect as presidents, world leaders and astronauts. I take the lessons he taught by the example of his life to heart every day. I am grateful I had the privilege to have spent such quality time with Sen. Glenn and his family at the dedication of the newly named John Glenn International Airport earlier this year in Columbus. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with dear Mrs. Glenn and all who loved him. Godspeed, Sen. Glenn.

The Corps lost a legend today.

Col. John Glenn— an astronaut, a senator, a Marine— died at the age of 95.

Franklin County Commissioners

John Glenn exemplified America’s Greatest Generation, and lived an unparalleled life of service to our nation, state, and community. His sacrifice and service in two wars, as a test pilot, pioneering astronaut, and for 25 years in the U.S. Senate has made our country stronger, and his founding of the John Glenn College of Public Affairs continues to help a new generation of leaders to reach for the stars. Colonel Glenn was the first American to orbit the earth and is both the fifth and the oldest person to have ever flown in space. He was instrumental in the creation of the new Ohio Veterans Memorial and Museum, and he will be deeply missed in Franklin County and across the nation. The commissioners extend their deepest condolences to Annie and the entire Glenn family.

State Rep. David Leland

John Glenn was the ultimate All-American, All-American military pilot, All-American space pioneer, All-American public servant.

John Glenn embodied the best of America in every aspect of his life. My prayer for America is that we are able to produce many more public servants like John Glenn.

John Glenn embodied the pioneering spirit of every Ohioan and every American. The first American man to orbit the earth, the boy from New Concord exemplified bravery.

He was an icon of American history, a natural born leader who did so with a quiet strength. From Friendship 7 to the Space Shuttle Discovery, he truly answered a higher calling to public service. Whether orbiting in the zero gravity of outer space, or walking the weighty halls of Congress, John Glenn served the people.

He and his wife Annie represent the very best of Ohio and the values that make this country great. His service forever shaped America and pushed us forward.

We mourn his loss, honor his legacy and forever remember the words that sent him on his next mission toward the heavens, ‘God speed, John Glenn.’

Speaker of the Ohio House Clifford A. Rosenberger:

It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I offer my comments today on the passing of John Glenn. As many know, John Glenn has been a hero of mine, a mentor in my life and a man whom I look up to for not only his admirable career, but his steady morals, unmatchable character and his love of family.

“I’ve spent a lot of time with John and Annie, and my thoughts and my sincere prayers are with her and the rest of their wonderful family during this very difficult time. Today, we have lost a great man who has left a truly lasting, impactful legacy on this state, the nation and the entire world. Godspeed, John Glenn.